What is pancrelipase?

Pancrelipase is a combination of three enzymes (proteins): lipase, protease, and amylase. These
enzymes are produced naturally in the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and
sugars.

Pancrelipase is used to replace these enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own.
Pancrelipase reduces the pain associated with disorders of the pancreas. Conditions for which
pancrelipase may be used include cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, and blockage of
the pancreatic ducts. In addition, pancrelipase may be used following removal of the pancreas.

Pancrelipase may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about pancrelipase?

Take pancrelipase exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Taking pancrelipase properly
is the most important factor in getting the maximum benefit of this medication.

Do not inhale the powder inside the capsules or allow it to touch your skin. It may cause
irritation, especially to your nose and lungs.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
pancrelipase?

Do not take pancrelipase without first talking to your doctor if you

are allergic to pork products;

have acute pancreatitis; or

have an acute worsening of a chronic pancreatic disease.

You may not be able to take pancrelipase or you may require a lower dose
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

The Pancrease and Pancrease MT brands of pancrelipase are in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that they are not expected to harm an unborn baby. Other brands of
pancrelipase are in the FDA pregnancy category C or are not assigned an FDA pregnancy category.
This means that it is not known whether they will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether pancrelipase will harm a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take pancrelipase?

Take pancrelipase exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Taking pancrelipase properly is the most important factor in getting the maximum benefit of this
medication.

Pancrelipase is taken before or during each meal or snack. Follow your doctor"s specific
instructions.

Do not hold the tablets or capsule contents in your mouth. This may cause irritation of the inside
of your mouth.

Do not crush or chew the capsules or tablets. Swallow them whole. If swallowing is
difficult, some formulations can be opened and sprinkled onto a soft food such as applesauce or
pudding. The soft food should then be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a
beverage to ensure swallowing. Ask your doctor about such formulations if you are having difficulty
swallowing your pills.
Do not inhale the powder inside the capsules or allow it to touch your skin. It may cause
irritation, especially to your nose and lungs.

Do not change brands of pancrelipase without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some
brands of pancrelipase are interchangeable while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know
which brand/generic formulations may be substituted for another.

Store pancrelipase at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a pancrelipase overdose are not known but may include diarrhea and stomach
upset.

What should I avoid while taking pancrelipase?

Follow any special diet recommendations made by your doctor while taking pancrelipase.

Pancrelipase side effects

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take pancrelipase and notify your
doctor if you experience

nausea or vomiting;

abdominal discomfort, pain, or cramping;

diarrhea or constipation;

greasy stools;

perianal irritation;

flatulence; or

irritation to the skin or lungs after coming in contact with
capsule contents.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect pancrelipase?

Pancrelipase is not known to interact with any other medications. However, talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about pancrelipase written for health professionals that
you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Pancrelipase is available with a prescription generically and under several brand names. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.